QUAKE DAMAGE. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) gathers data using drones to determine the extent of damage to the communities by the recent series of earthquakes through its Central Command Center. Operations of the center will cover all earthquake-affected areas in Davao and Cotabato Regions to aid swift relief response and data gathering, (Photo courtesy of MinDA chairman, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol)
DAVAO CITY -- The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on Monday announced that its Central Command Center in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato is now in full operation.
Situated at JCX Convention Center, the database will coordinate relief operations and gather data on the extent of damage brought about by the earthquakes which happened on October 16, 29 and 31.
The Command Center will serve as a coordinating unit for relief assistance and rehabilitation efforts for the earthquake victims in the Davao and Cotabato areas.
“The Central Command Center will cover all earthquake-affected areas in Davao and Cotabato Regions to aid swift relief response and data gathering,” Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, MinDA chairperson, said.
With the use of drones and digital technology on the mountainside communities, MinDA would determine the extent of damages to communities, and areas which need to be abandoned due to landslides.
“Many of the communities in the City of Kidapawan, Magpet, Tulunan and Makilala in North Cotabato and Magsaysay, Bansalan and Matanao in Davao del Sur may have to be abandoned by the residents,” Piñol said.
MinDA will soon complete a database that will register all victims and assistance needed.
“The database will register all victims, the damage they suffer, locations and the damage in their communities, and the support they needed,” Piñol said.
Further, he said that the database will guide donors and the line agencies in crafting post-disaster interventions to assist victims return to their normal lives, he added.
“We will recommend rehabilitation plans of the affected communities using the data gathered,” said Piñol, adding that information will be given to the Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is the Martial Law Administrator and designated officer-in-charge of government operations to help the victims.
MinDA accepts donations of relief goods and assistance for the quake victims in all its offices in Zamboanga, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Koronadal, and Davao City. (PNA)
